Does your dog act crazy afraid when there is a thunderstorm or they hear fireworks?

This is not a problem that can be treated with just medication, although some pets are so upset they need medicine for a short time to help them learn, with your help, how to handle their fear.  Fears and phobias tend to get worse over time, so even if medication seemed to be enough in the past, it won't be in the future. To keep your pet from having a horrible anxiety attack and suffering terrible fear, your furry friend needs the right training to learn that noises will not hurt them.

If the problem is really bad RIGHT NOW, please read Fears and Phobias in Dogs - Storms and Fireworks - Immediate Guidelines fact sheet for guidance.

If the storms or other noises that frighten your pet have been gone for a few days, or it is not the time of year when they are frequent, now is the time to start teaching your pet how to remain calm, even when it sounds scary outside. To get started, please read our Fears and Phobias in Dogs – Storms and Fireworks – Treatment fact sheet. We will also be happy to arrange a behavior consultation to help you help your pet with this difficult problem. Nobody should have to live in fear!

To browse the behavior fact sheets for additional information, please visit our Lifelearn library.